Olympia London launches vehicle share service

Olympia London is launching a second service to complement its new online vehicle booking system.

The online vehicle share platform aims to significantly reduce the cost of freight transport for exhibitors.

The service works by taking data from exhibitors already using the vehicle booking system – including their start and end journeys and how much space they have to offer or need – and then calculating vehicle share options for the user.

With exhibitors travelling an average distance of 119km per journey to and from Olympia London – or two hours driving – the system will aim to free up valuable time. It also aims to reduce 20 per cent of freight costs for exhibitors.

Created by Carbon Voyage in collaboration with Olympia London’s sustainability advisors, collected data found that two out of every six journeys to or from the venue had the same point of origin/destination.

Transport for London head of freight and fleet programmes Ian Wainwright said: “It is great to see innovative ideas like this consolidation system. Streamlining deliveries and collections at Olympia London will help reduce unnecessary freight journeys into central London, cutting congestion for all road users and saving businesses money. By working together, Olympia London’s clients will also improve air quality for all Londoners and help meet the Mayor’s Cleaner Air for London targets.”

Olympia London sustainability advisor Sian Richards said: “The system works well for Olympia London, our large number of shows means it isvery feasible for a freight company to deliver items for the build-up of one show and then pick up from a show that is breaking down. The data we have for each vehicle’s start and end journey allows us to offer carbon impactstatements as an added service.”

Olympia London is to be the venue for Blaze Publishing’s new electric guitar show, Electric Live. The new show will be held on 13-14 September 2014 and will run alongside the already established London Acoustic Guitar Show, which will remain in the Conference Centre.